Sheffield Based Artist Jim McElvaney
Sheffield Based Artist Jim McElvaney.
We came across Jim’s work on Instagram and instantly loved his style, here’s what Jim had to say when we asked him a few questions about his art and how his style developed.
Volta: Were you self-taught or have you had formal training?
Jim: It’s an interesting question as on paper you’d probably say formal training as I did a Fine Art degree. But I consider myself self-taught. My art education was all self-led practice and predominantly focused around sculpture.
Volta: What did you do before you did what you do now?
Jim: I’m not sure there is a before to be honest, I’ve always aspired to be an artist and I just keep going.
Volta: How did your current style develop and how do you see it developing in the future?
Jim: It’s developed over many years and just keeps evolving naturally. If you do anything for long enough you will develop your own style. I’m not sure how I see it developing in the future I just hope it continues to do so.
Volta: If you’re not originally from Sheffield, why did you decide to settle here?
Jim: I’m originally from Matlock so not far away. Spent many a night in the Leadmill growing up and Sheffield was always welcoming. I moved around for a while and spent some good years by the sea in Brighton but the pull to move back north was always great. Sheffield just felt like the natural choice, and I don’t regret it.
Volta: How would you describe what you do?
Jim: I’d describe my work as expressionist portraiture.
Volta: Have you ever made a mistake while creating a piece that you learned a lesson from?
Jim: Every time I do anything there are mistakes, it’s part of it. It would be boring with no mistakes! I couldn’t tell you what the lessons I’ve learnt are but I’m sure there are some.
Volta: Can you remember the first piece of work you ever sold?
Jim: Yes! When I was about 17 I did a stencil of Ian Brown for a mate. Best tenner I ever made and spent. After that I started doing a few stencils as it just felt like easy money. Didn’t last long though as never really enjoyed the process.
Volta: What piece of your own work gives you the most satisfaction and why?
Jim: It is rare for me to be satisfied with anything I do. It’s what keeps me going, I strive for satisfaction! But the area of my work that I probably feel satisfaction from the most is in my drawing (at the moment), I feel like it’s flowing nicely. I’ll probably feel differently tomorrow.
Volta: Do other areas of creativity, such as music, have any influence on your work?
Jim: I always have music on when I’m working so probably subconsciously.
Volta: What advice would you give an aspiring fellow creative who was wanting to break through to the next level?
Jim: Focus on your work and not on how many followers you have or how many likes the last drawing is getting. Concentrate on doing what you do and not what other people think of what you do. Instagram will give you a reach and can open doors but at the end of the day you have to remember why you’re doing what you do. Create for yourself not for your followers.
Sheffield Based Artist Jim McElvaney
Want to find out a little more about Jim and his work, here are links to his Website and Social Media accounts – enjoy!
